ABUJA, JANUARY 14, 2025 (CISA) – The Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja held a solemn Mass to honour the victims of the tragic incident on December 21, 2024, during the Maitama food-sharing event, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left 11 others injured.
In his homily at the memorial Mass at the Holy Trinity Parish in Maitama on January 12, Most Rev Ignatius A. Kaigama, Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Abuja, reflected on the significance of the Church’s charitable mission, which has inspired generations to perform corporal works of mercy. He emphasized that the incident was not a result of negligence but rather an unforeseen consequence of the growing need among vulnerable populations.
“What occurred here during the annual Christmas items distribution was never as a result of negligence. Previous years of distribution took place seamlessly in all the many Catholic parishes in the FCT. However, the distribution at Holy Trinity Maitama in 2024 witnessed an unprecedented turnout of about 5,000 needy and vulnerable individuals, certainly, due to the heightened economic hardship affecting many families in the country,” the archbishop said.
Kaigama further clarified that “The large crowd outside the church premises created pressure and panic. This led to a struggle as individuals scrambled to gain entry through the church gate, which resulted in the fatalities and injuries,” adding, “No one should be allowed to die a needless death just struggling for what to eat.”
Addressing the congregation, the archbishop outlined measures taken by the Church in the aftermath of the tragedy, including halting the distribution exercise to prevent further chaos, providing immediate medical care to the injured, and visiting affected families to offer spiritual and moral support.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, Kaigama urged for improved crowd control measures, pre-registration of attendees, and awareness programs to ensure that future distributions are carried out in a safe and orderly manner.
Archbishop Kaigama also called for government collaboration with faith-based organizations to address systemic poverty and hunger. He highlighted successful models in countries like Germany and Ireland, urging Nigerian authorities to emulate these examples to empower communities and protect the most vulnerable.
“Nigeria must learn to use available resources without corruption to save the lives of citizens, even if it is just one person,” he implored.
The Archbishop commended the St. Vincent de Paul Society and its members for their unwavering dedication to serving the poor.
“I declare the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Maitama, Fr Moses Jimbili, the President of St. Vincent de Paul Maitama Parish, Ms Juliet Onwuemelia, and all compassionate members as our heroes and heroines of 2024,” he proclaimed, recognizing their vital role in fostering hope and dignity.
The remembrance Mass was attended by Rt. Rev. Anselm Umoren, MSP, the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, and Rt. Rev. Bertram Johannes Meier, Bishop of Augsburg and Chairman of the Commission for International Church Affairs of the German Bishops’ Conference, along with his delegation. Also present were numerous priests, religious men and women, and key civil authorities, including the Honourable FCT Minister and the FCT Commissioner of Police, demonstrating solidarity with the community.
